Fishing holidays aboard a motorized barge off Panama’s Pacific coast, offering accommodation for up to 16 guests and access to the sportfishing grounds around Hannibal Bank and the many islands in the Coiba Island National Marine Park.

The fishing

Typically, the fishing is a mixture of deep-sea fishing (with a focus on billfish), and inshore fishing action. The marlin fishing in particular is outstanding. The barge’s proximity to the legendary Hannibal Bank and Montuosa Island puts it within range of black and blue Marlin, schools of wahoo and yellowfin tuna, plus sailfish and dorado, which congregate to feast in these bait-rich waters.

Panama’s Coiba Island National Marine Park is also home to some of the world’s most explosive inshore fishing, with aggressive predators such as cubera snapper and roosterfish ready to attack any top-water plugs you care to throw their way. Fly-fishermen are encouraged to bring their gear as well – the crews here are well-versed in the art of bait-and-switch for sailfish, along with sight casting to dorado.

Five 27’ Ocean Master center-console boats serve as your fishing platforms, and all are operated by experienced local skippers.

The facilities

The motorized barge provides anglers with a clean and comfortable base camp, allowing you to travel to remote tropical settings where the fishing begins right at your front door. Newly renovated, the barge can accommodate up to 16 guests. With four beds each, the four air-conditioned cabins share two clean bathrooms with hot-water showers and plenty of fresh water. Also to be enjoyed is a very comfortable, air-conditioned salon, as well as an on-the-water dining area along the front of the barge, complete with a cash bar.